The fruit and vegetable processing industry in the US plays a vital role in turning fresh produce into ready-to-eat or pre-packaged foods. Companies range from large processors to smaller, specialized producers, creating products such as canned vegetables, frozen fruits, and juices. As consumers lean towards plant-based options and sustainable practices, the demand for innovative processing solutions is increasing. An intriguing trend is the rise in automation and technology integration, allowing for enhanced efficiency and reduced waste. This sector not only ensures food security but also addresses public health by making nutritious foods more accessible to everyone.


This list highlights a notable array of investors actively involved in the fruit and vegetable processing sector. Various types of investors, including venture capital firms, corporate players, and government initiatives, are engaged. Geographically, they span from New York and San Francisco to Kentucky and Louisiana. Founded as early as 1888, some of these firms employ thousands, demonstrating their scale and influence. In 2024 alone, these investors made remarkable contributions across 17 transactions, showing their commitment to fostering innovation in the food processing industry.


Top 17 Fruit and Vegetable Processing Investors in the US


1. Big Idea Ventures

  • Website: bigideaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: bigideaventures

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital fund and startup accelerator based in New York, founded in 2018. The firm is dedicated to food innovation, investing in startups that are developing alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They operate accelerator programs that provide resources and mentorship to help startups scale their operations. Notable transactions include investments in companies like Confetti Snacks, which focuses on innovative snack solutions, and Väcka, a Barcelona-based food tech company that is developing new technologies for food production. These investments indicate their commitment to supporting innovative food solutions, which may include aspects of fruit and vegetable processing.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It has played a crucial role in the technology startup ecosystem, providing funding and mentorship to early-stage companies. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has a diverse portfolio. Among its investments, it has funded companies like Positive Food Co., which raised $7 million in 2022, and Todos Comemos, which secured $235,000 in 2020. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the food sector, particularly in companies that may be involved in food processing and distribution. Despite its broader focus on technology, these specific investments indicate a potential interest in the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


3. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. IndieBio has been active in various sectors, including climate and food, which aligns with the growing demand for sustainable food production. Notable transactions include investments in Prime Roots, which raised $4.25 million in a Seed Round in 2018 and focuses on plant-based food products, and Nat4Bio, which raised funds in Pre-Seed rounds. These investments highlight IndieBio's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food sector, making them a relevant player in the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


4. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government has actively supported the fruit and vegetable processing sector through various funding initiatives. Notable transactions include grants to the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, which raised $5,000,000 in October 2023 and additional undisclosed amounts in March 2023, aimed at enhancing food processing capabilities. Furthermore, a grant of $4,500,000 was provided to Patates Dolbec in June 2018, indicating a direct investment in the vegetable processing industry. These transactions highlight the Government's commitment to fostering growth in the food processing sector, making it a relevant investor in this space.


5. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, with a particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the fruit and vegetable processing industry, including debt financing for Central Florida Repack, which raised $7.76 million in 2013, and multiple rounds of debt financing for Harvill's Produce, which raised funds in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Additionally, they participated in a significant venture round for Soli Organic, raising $120 million in 2021, indicating their active role in the agribusiness sector.


6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities. The fund has been involved in various transactions, including Thistle, which raised $10.3 million to expand its operations in the food sector, and Area 2 Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming practices. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the food and agriculture industry, particularly in areas that could intersect with fruit and vegetable processing.


7. GrubMarket Inc.

  • Website: grubmarket.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: grubmarket-inc-

GrubMarket Inc. is a food technology company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in eCommerce and the food supply chain. Founded in 2014, the company has grown to employ between 1001 and 5000 people and has made 9 investments in 2024 alone. GrubMarket offers farm-fresh food delivery services and AI-powered software solutions aimed at improving efficiency in food distribution. The company serves a diverse clientele, including grocers, restaurants, and consumers seeking high-quality food products. Notably, GrubMarket has made several strategic acquisitions in the fruit and vegetable sector, including SunFed, a tech-driven fresh produce company, and Sierra Produce, a major importer of South American fruits. These acquisitions, along with others like Daylight Foods and Custom Produce Sales, demonstrate GrubMarket's commitment to enhancing its operations and customer base in the fresh produce market, thereby promoting local food sourcing and strengthening its position in the global food supply chain.


8. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and fostering sustainable development. Notably, IFC has engaged in significant transactions within the fruit and vegetable processing context, such as a $24 million quasi-equity financing for Zalar Agri, a major agricultural company in Morocco, aimed at expanding fruit tree operations and packaging. Additionally, IFC participated in a £240 million funding round for Westfalia Fruit, which is focused on international growth and meeting rising demand in the agriculture sector. These transactions highlight IFC's active role in supporting the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


9. The Middleby Corporation

  • Website: middleby.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1888
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: middleby-corporation

The Middleby Corporation is a corporate investor based in Elgin, Illinois, specializing in the manufacturing of commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. Founded in 1888, Middleby has established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers, focusing on enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation. Their diverse product range serves various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets, with a commitment to advanced technology and customer engagement. Notably, Middleby has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the food processing equipment sector. For instance, the acquisition of Alkar Holdings in 2005, which specializes in food processing equipment, and the recent acquisition of JC Ford in 2024, a manufacturer of tortilla production equipment systems, highlight their focus on expanding their capabilities in food processing. These transactions demonstrate Middleby's commitment to serving the food processing industry, including the fruit and vegetable sector, making them a relevant player in this market.


10. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in Babaco Market, a company that has raised significant funding to expand its operations in the fresh produce sector, indicating their engagement in the fruit and vegetable processing industry. Additionally, they have supported other startups like groHERE, which may also relate to agricultural technology and food distribution, further emphasizing their relevance in this space.


11. AgFunder

  • Website: agfunder.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: agfunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in foodtech and agtech investments, providing funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors. They are actively involved in the innovation and growth of these industries and also contribute to the knowledge base through industry news and research. Notable transactions include their investment in Mayani, a startup focused on transforming the Philippine agri-fisheries sector, which aligns with improving food processing and distribution. Additionally, AgFunder has invested in LYRO Robotics, which may have applications in agricultural automation, potentially benefiting fruit and vegetable processing operations. Their diverse portfolio indicates a commitment to enhancing the agricultural landscape, including aspects related to fruit and vegetable processing.


12. Adm

  • Website: adm.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1902
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: adm

The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) is a leading food processing and commodities trading corporation based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1902. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ADM specializes in human, pet, and animal nutrition, providing a wide range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers, animal feed producers, and pet food companies. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation in nutrition. Notably, ADM has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the fruit and vegetable processing sector. In 2019, they acquired Erich Ziegler, a German citrus ingredient supplier, which bolstered their presence in the citrus ingredients market. Additionally, their acquisition of Florida Chemical Company for approximately $175 million further solidified their position in providing citrus flavors and high-value flavor ingredients. Most recently, in 2024, ADM agreed to acquire Vandamme Hungaria Kft, which operates a non-GM crush facility, indicating their ongoing investment in processing capabilities relevant to fruits and vegetables.


13. Collaborative Fund

  • Website: collabfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 29
  • LinkedIn: collaborative-fund

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They aim to provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups that create positive societal and environmental impacts. Notably, they have invested in Daily Harvest, a company that specializes in delivering healthy, plant-based food options, which aligns with the food sector. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in Diferente, a company that has raised significant funding in recent years, indicating their interest in food-related ventures. Their recent investment in Hippo Harvest, a controlled environment agriculture startup, further demonstrates their engagement in the food and agriculture space, particularly in innovative approaches to food production. Overall, Collaborative Fund's investment strategy is centered around identifying businesses that align with their mission of pushing the world forward, which may include companies in the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


14. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In recent years, 500 Global has made notable investments in the fruit and vegetable processing sector, including Glife Technologies, which focuses on innovative agricultural solutions, and being juice, which raised $1,000,000 in a Seed Round in January 2025. Additionally, their investment in FarMart, which raised a total of $12,000,000 across multiple rounds, highlights their commitment to enhancing agricultural supply chains and supporting startups that contribute to the fruit and vegetable processing industry.


15. Siddhi Capital

  • Website: siddhicapital.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: siddhi-capital

Siddhi Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in the food and beverage industry, providing growth equity investments and operational consulting services to emerging and growth-stage brands. Siddhi Capital aims to help these brands optimize their operations and achieve strategic growth, focusing on consumer packaged goods and innovative food brands. Notable transactions include participation in Thistle, a startup that raised $10.3 million to expand its operations and manufacturing capabilities, and kencko, which raised over $18 million to launch new food products. These investments highlight Siddhi Capital's commitment to supporting companies that are likely involved in the processing and innovation of food products, including fruits and vegetables.


16. Unovis Asset Management

  • Website: unovis.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: unovisvc

Unovis Asset Management is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to transforming the global food system through sustainable practices, focusing on investments in startups that innovate in plant-based foods and alternative proteins. Notable transactions include a significant investment in Miyoko's Kitchen, which specializes in plant-based dairy alternatives, and Meati Foods, a fungi-based protein startup. These investments reflect Unovis's commitment to supporting companies that are redefining food production and consumption, aligning with their mission to address climate change and promote animal welfare. Their portfolio also includes ANINA Culinary Art and NOVAMEAT, further emphasizing their focus on innovative food solutions that could involve fruits and vegetables.


17. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has built a reputation for providing asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes. Among their notable transactions, KKR acquired Del Monte Foods in 2011 for $5.3 billion, a significant player in the fruit and vegetable processing industry. In 2014, KKR invested approximately $100 million in Sundrop Farms, which has a contract with Coles to supply tomatoes, further emphasizing their involvement in agricultural production. These investments highlight KKR's strategic focus on the food sector, particularly in fruit and vegetable processing, while also maintaining a diverse portfolio across various industries.



Fruit and Vegetable Processing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
GrubMarket Inc.San Francisco, California, United States (USA)1001-500020149
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
AdmChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19022
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Siddhi CapitalCherry Hill, New Jersey, United States (USA)11-5020174
Unovis Asset ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020162
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674


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